2026 Chevrolet Colorado Custom: Kirkland Buyers Guide
Quick Answer: 2026 Colorado Custom
The Custom starts at $33,545 MSRP, before the $2,095 destination charge, which is $1,145 above the WT. For that money you get high-gloss black 18-inch aluminum wheels in place of steel ones and black exterior badging; the drivetrain doesn't change. It's the same 2.7L TurboMax four-cylinder (310 horsepower, 430 lb-ft) and 8-speed automatic, 2WD standard with 4WD available for about $3,300 more, and the same Crew Cab with a 5-foot bed. Think of it as the best-looking value step in the lineup, since it sits $2,455 below the LT.
What $1,145 buys
Not much on the spec sheet, which is why the Custom is easy to explain: the wheels and the badges. The black 18-inch aluminum wheels replace the WT's 17-inch steel ones, and the badging goes black to match. Everything underneath carries over, from the touchscreen with Google built-in to the digital driver display and the Chevy Safety Assist suite. If you've stood next to a WT and a Custom in a parking lot, you know the difference is visible from across the lot even though it's mostly cosmetic. Whether that's worth $1,145 depends on how much you care about how the truck looks in your driveway in Kirkland versus on a job site.
The case for stopping here
A lot of buyers talk themselves up the ladder one trim at a time and end up with features they never use. The Custom is a decent place to stop. It keeps the 2WD-or-4WD choice that Trail Boss, Z71 and ZR2 take away, it gives you wheels that look right on a truck that sees the Eastside's mix of commuting and weekend errands, and it leaves $2,455 in your pocket against the LT. What you give up is the LT's convenience set: the EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, remote start and keyless access, all of which matter most in a rainy Pacific Northwest winter when a head start on a fogged, cold windshield sounds pretty good.
Towing and fuel economy on the Custom
Towing follows the same rule as the WT. The 7,700-lb maximum needs the $945 Advanced Trailering Package; without it, the Custom is rated at 3,500 lbs. EPA ratings are 19 city, 24 highway and 21 combined for 2WD, and 17, 22 and 19 for 4WD on standard tires. Regular unleaded is all it needs, even with a turbo.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Colorado WT and Custom?
The Custom adds black 18-inch aluminum wheels and black badging for about $1,145 more. The engine, transmission, screen and safety equipment are the same.
Is the Colorado Custom available in 4WD?
Yes. Two-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive adds roughly $3,300 before destination, the same as on WT and LT.
Does the Custom have the EZ Lift and Lower tailgate?
No, that feature starts at the LT, along with remote start and keyless access.
How much does a 2026 Colorado Custom cost?
The starting MSRP is $33,545, plus the $2,095 destination charge, Washington sales tax, licensing and any dealer fees. The pricing and leasing guide explains how the Kirkland tax adds up.
Can the Custom tow a boat?
With the Advanced Trailering Package it's rated for up to 7,700 lbs. Without it the figure is 3,500 lbs, so check the build before you plan around the larger number.
The bottom line
The Custom is the Colorado for the buyer who wants a little attitude without paying for equipment they won't use. See how it compares to the step above in the LT guide, or look at new Colorado inventory at Lee Johnson Chevrolet in Kirkland.
MSRP figures exclude the $2,095 destination charge, taxes, licensing and any dealer fees or installed options; the dealer sets the actual selling price. Fuel economy and towing figures are manufacturer and EPA estimates that vary by configuration; see the Owner's Manual or Lee Johnson Chevrolet for vehicle-specific ratings. Equipment and availability can change with production timing, so confirm current specifications with the dealer.